Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has underscored that Vietnam will resolutely defend its sovereignty and legitimate interests because territorial sovereignty, including over its maritime zones and islands, is sacred.

Vice President Joe Biden expressed the US’s serious concern about China’s behaviour during his meeting with Chinese People’s Liberation Army Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui at the White House on May 15.

Foreign ministers of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on May 10 voiced their concern over the escalating tension in the East Sea, and called on the parties concerned to exercise self-restraint.

China has positioned an oil rig together with many escort vessels deep into Vietnam’s continental shelf, violating Vietnam’s sovereignty, Vietnamese officials informed the media at an international press conference on May 7.